This is a unique opportunity to return to the university at which I have spent much of my career, but of course it is with some sadness that I will be leaving the University of Louisville.

My family and I have grown to love this community. As dean of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, I worked with tremendous faculty and staff, and together we laid the groundwork for an exciting future. As acting provost and then acting president, I have gained a great appreciation for my faculty and staff colleagues throughout the university. I am constantly impressed with the quality of our outstanding students.

Together, we faced a number of challenges in recent months, but I am confident that the worst is behind us and a bright future lies ahead for the University of Louisville.

Larry Benz, Chairman of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees issued a statement:

I want to thank Neville for his service as acting president during these past few months. His steady leadership and willingness to work closely with both the Board of Trustees and the UofL Foundation Board has helped steer the university through tough times toward a bright future.

Dr. Pinto and I are discussing a transition plan that will secure strong leadership for the university after his mid-February departure. I will also consult with the faculty, staff and student representatives to obtain their thoughts and input. A meeting of the Board of Trustees will be scheduled in the near future to plan for this change in leadership such that we have some overlap and ongoing continuity and momentum going into 2017. We will keep the university community posted on our progress.

This is a tremendous opportunity for Neville to return to the university where he spent 26 years of his career. We wish the best to him and his family. Meanwhile, I am confident that through the outstanding ongoing work of our faculty, staff and students and the support of our friends and the community, the University of Louisville will continue its course as a premier university.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, "I'm really happy for Neville Pinto. I'm disappointed for the city. Dr. Pinto has been a huge contributor to the University of Louisville, and obviously U of L is going through some tough times right now. He's been a steadying force through that, but U of L's got a great foundation and they've got a lot of momentum in a lot of different ways, so I'm sure good days are ahead at U of L, but congrats to Dr. Pinto. U of L will carry on and I'm here to help in any way."

Pinto, who had been U of L's interim provost and dean of engineering, became acting president in July following the resignation of James Ramsey, who had led the school for 14 years.

He previously worked at the University of Cincinnati as a faculty member in chemical engineering from 1985 to 2011.

He will begin working as president of the University of Cincinnati in February of 2017.